DASFAM_27

In the blink of an eye, it was late June, and the air already carried the warmth of early summer.

For convenience, the anniversary celebration of the elderly Shang couple was arranged within the manor.

In the walk-in closet of the bedroom, Bai Xu was fiddling with the silk bow tie that came with his suit in front of the mirror, but no matter how he tried, he couldn't get it properly fastened. He frowned in slight frustration, "Tsk."

Knock, knock.

The sound of knocking came at the door.

Bai Xu stopped what he was doing and leaned out from the dressing area, "Who is it?"

"It's me."

Even a two-syllable sounded particularly pleasing to the ear.

Bai Xu recognized the owner of the voice, "The door isn't locked, just come in."

The door opened and then closed, as Shang Yanxiao quickly walked in.

Bai Xu turned back to continue with his task, looking at the newcomer through the mirror, "Third Young Master's courage is growing, daring to even come out of the master bedroom door now."

Shang Yanxiao said, "Today, the focus of the manor is on the banquet, no one will come here."

Moreover, Chen Yufei and others are guarding at home, and they can notify them at any time if there's any situation.

Shang Yanxiao still couldn't show up conveniently and reminded him of the time, "How are you getting along? It's about time to go to the banquet."

Shang Queyan had just finished today's rehabilitation and would need a bit more time to return to the manor. For now, Bai Xu had to represent the third branch at the event.

"En, I'm almost ready."

Bai Xu tried once more with the tie, then simply gave up the struggle, "Forget it."

Shang Yanxiao approached, "What's wrong?"

Bai Xu turned around, revealing a rare hint of frustration, "The silk texture of this bow tie is too slippery, and the hidden clasp inside is too small. I can't see it when I look down, I can't fasten it blindly no matter how I try. It's annoying."

After speaking, his gaze met Shang Yanxiao's.

In a brief and understanding exchange of glances, both spoke simultaneously—

"Can you help me?"

"Shall I help you?"

The same question collided, causing Bai Xu to chuckle. He took the initiative to close the distance between them, "Then I'll trouble Third Young Master?"

Bai Xu tilted his head up, trying to bridge the height difference with Shang Yanxiao, "Hm~ Lend me a hand."

"......"

Shang Yanxiao's gaze drifted down from his brows and eyes, and after a moment's thought, he reached out to help.

The silk tie was indeed slippery, and the tight clasp was difficult to fasten easily. Shang Yanxiao focused intently, his fingers brushing lightly against Bai Xu's Adam's apple as he worked.

The repeated, feather-like touches were both there and not.

Bai Xu, staring at his strikingly defined jawline, suddenly found it hard to withstand the tingling sensation and turned his head slightly to avoid it.

The clasp that Shang Yanxiao had just managed to fasten was pulled loose again, and he sighed in resignation, "Hold still."

Bai Xu swallowed, feeling somewhat uneasy, "It tickles."

"......"

Hearing this, Shang Yanxiao's gaze shifted subtly.

The Adam's apple of the person before him had taken on a faint reddish hue, unusually sensitive, and with each slight movement, it exuded an indescribable, subtle allure.

Shang Yanxiao's gaze grew increasingly direct, and Bai Xu, feeling a pang of nervousness under his stare, instinctively leaned back, "Uh, I think I'll just change to a different tie."

The silky tie slipped through his fingers, light and fleeting.

Shang Yanxiao instinctively clenched his fingers, as if trying to grasp something intangible. His eyes followed Bai Xu as he rummaged through the drawer, and then his attention caught on something else—

At the nape of Bai Xu's neck, there was a small, faintly reddish-brown mole, hidden and only revealing itself when he slightly bowed his head, teasingly elusive.

"......"

Shang Yanxiao's breath hitched imperceptibly.

As Bai Xu turned around with a newly chosen tie, he was met with Shang Yanxiao's unwavering, intense gaze, "Shang... Shang Yanxiao? What are you looking at?"

"Nothing."

Shang Yanxiao spoke, surprised to find his voice slightly strained. He cleared his throat, "I heard from Xie Qi that the first branch arrived in the capital yesterday, but they didn't stay at the manor's villa last night..."

A regular tie was far less troublesome, and Bai Xu deftly tied it while continuing the conversation, "Are you suggesting that the first branch might be planning something big?"

Shang Yanxiao didn't deny it, "Banquets like today's, held in the names of both grandparents, are rare. It's a prime opportunity for flattery and currying favor."

If the Old Master is pleased, he might delegate some of the group's authority.

Whether it's the first branch, the second branch, or even distant relatives and guests, everyone will likely be vying for their share.

"Most likely, the third branch will become a topic of conversation among the guests today. If you hear anything, just let it go. There's no need to engage or argue. Stay out of trouble and be careful in everything."

Bai Xu detected the concern hidden beneath Shang Yanxiao's calm tone and joked, "I don’t want to stir up trouble, but what if someone provokes me first? I can’t just let others bully me, right?"

Shang Yanxiao fell silent.

Let others bully him? That was definitely not his style.

Bai Xu could tell that Shang Yanxiao was cut from the same cloth as him and added, "I know what I’m doing. If it’s worth fighting for, I’ll fight. Our third branch can’t afford to lose~"

Hearing the words 'our third branch', Shang Yanxiao's lips curled into a faint smile, "Alright, then handle it as you see fit. There’s bound to be quite a show tonight. I wonder how the first and second branches will compete?"

Bai Xu's tone carried a hint of anticipation, "Let them fight however they want. It’s not like we’re unprepared. By the way, is the gift all set?"

Shang Yanxiao thought of the 'special gift' they were about to present to the Shang elders and nodded knowingly, "I’ve had Xie Qi prepare everything. Once you give the signal, we’ll deliver it at the right moment. Just follow along when the time comes."

"Okay."

...

The venue for the banquet is located in the southwest corner of the manor.

The outdoor artificial lawn and lake scenery seamlessly connect to the indoor banquet hall, a space large enough to accommodate nearly a thousand people.

Of course, not everyone is qualified to attend the Shang family's banquet.

Under her husband's urging, Fang Yuhua carefully selected and revised the guest list before presenting it to the elderly Shang couple for approval. Ultimately, nearly a hundred guests were invited.

Without exception, they were all prominent families from the elite circles of the Imperial Capital, each one a distinguished figure in their own right.

When Bai Xu arrived by car, the prelude to the banquet had already begun for a short while. Unable to bear the lingering summer heat outdoors, he quickly made his way into the banquet hall.

The overall layout of the hall leaned towards a Chinese style, with elegant decorations and furnishings, clearly reflecting the taste of the Old Madam Shang.

Shang Yun and Fang Yuhua, the couple, were dressed particularly glamorously. They appeared affectionate, arm in arm, and were smilingly standing in for the Old Mr. and Madam Shang to welcome the guests.

The main guests of honor, the Old Mr. and Madam Shang, were still in the lounge. Many guests had formed small groups, enjoying drinks and engaging in conversations.

Bai Xu glanced around and decided not to intrude on any group, preferring not to impose himself.

There was still some time before the banquet officially began. He found a secluded rest area partially screened by a bamboo curtain, casually picked up a glass of fruit wine, and walked over.

The band hired for the event was a traditional Chinese orchestra, and the harmonious blend of wind and string instruments was particularly soothing.

Just as Bai Xu closed his eyes, savoring the music, voices from the other side of the curtain broke his reverie.

"Mr. Bai, what a pleasure to meet you here today. I didn't expect to run into you at this event."

"Director Chen, it's been a while. Let me introduce you, this is my wife."

"Hello, Director Chen."

"Ah, hello, Mrs. Bai."

The familiar voices confirmed to Bai Xu the identities of the newcomers outside—Bai Rendao and Qian Shuling, distant relatives of the original host whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

Although the Bai family had some assets, they weren't particularly prominent in the Imperial Capital's elite circles. Normally, the couple wouldn't have qualified to attend a banquet of this scale.

Just as Bai Xu was pondering this, the conversation outside the curtain continued.

The middle-aged man referred to as 'Director Chen' casually asked, "By the way, has Young Master Bai been staying at the Shang residence recently? Did he greet you today? I thought I saw him entering the banquet hall alone earlier."

Someone else chimed in, "Exactly, Young Master Bai has been making quite a stir recently. He seems much more impressive than before."

"Wealth nurtures people. Once he entered the Shang family, he won't have to worry for the rest of his life. How could Mr. Bai not have such foresight?"

The wealthy often speak in roundabout ways, with many of their compliments laced with subtle jabs. The last part of the comment clearly suggested that Bai Rendao was being shrewd and calculating, leveraging Bai Xu to connect with the Shang family.

Hearing this discussion, the Bai couple felt somewhat awkward.

"Oh, you all are too kind."

Qian Shuling smiled insincerely, "We know Xiao Xu's personality better than anyone. He's usually introverted and awkward, hardly even greets people when he sees them. How could he suddenly become impressive just by entering the Shang family?"

"If it weren't for the Third Young Master's unfortunate situation, how could he have caught the eye of the Old Madam Shang? It's just a stroke of luck."

Bai Rendao chimed in, "Exactly, everyone in the Imperial Capital knows how outstanding the Third Young Master is. From the start, I felt our Bai family wasn't worthy and didn't dare agree to this marriage."

The couple continued their duet.

"Our Xiao Xu usually seems so reserved, but he was quite determined about this matter, insisting on agreeing to the marriage. He even said he'd be willing to stay with the Third Young Master even if he were bedridden for life."

Qian Shuling neatly distanced herself and her husband from their earlier 'forced marriage' actions, painting Bai Xu in just a few words as someone who 'entered a wealthy family for money', a greedy image.

"......"

Bai Xu couldn't help but laugh softly behind the curtain.

It had only been two or three months since he last saw them, yet this couple's ability to twist the truth had reached new heights!

Hearing these remarks, the people outside deliberately retorted, "Mr. Bai, you're too modest. Who wouldn't want to board the Shang family's ship? Regardless of the Third Young Master's condition, the marriage alliance between the Shang and Bai families is a good thing."

Bai Rendao continued with polite responses, "Our Bai family has only a small business. We're used to being honest and straightforward in our dealings. Benefits that aren't rightfully ours, I dare not claim."

"......."

What a joke!

Haven't they benefited enough from this?

Wearing masks for so long, have they really convinced themselves that they're virtuous people indifferent to fame and fortune?

Just as Bai Xu was about to step out and expose the hypocrisy of the Bai couple, a familiar voice beat him to it—

"If Mr. Bai and Mrs. Bai were truly as indifferent as chrysanthemums*, you shouldn't have come to join the excitement at today's banquet!"

*t/n; used to describe someone who is calm, modest, and unaffected by worldly desires or fame.

"......"

Bai Xu recognized Zhang Changning's voice, and his eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope.

Outside the curtain, Zhang Changning had already ignored his brother's subtle attempts to dissuade him and strode forward in a few quick steps.

He glared at the Bai couple with displeasure and fired off another sharp remark, "Don't think I'm looking down on anyone, but since you yourselves said the Bai family is small and insignificant, you should know the caliber of this banquet and the kind of people invited."

"If it weren't for Bai Xu, would you even have the right to stand here? What are you pretending for?"

"......"

Faced with this sudden exposure, the Bai couple's expressions quickly faltered.

It was Director Chen, standing nearby, who broke the awkward silence, "The young masters of the Zhang family have arrived as well?"

Hearing this, Zhang Changxu had no choice but to step forward.

Masking the helplessness in his brow, he spoke up in defense of his younger brother, "Apologies, my younger brother is still young and doesn't know how to hold back when speaking the truth."

The truth?

It seems he also thought the Bai couple were putting on an act.

Many guests caught the disdain in Zhang Changxu's words and silently watched the unfolding spectacle.

Zhang Changning, still not satisfied, added, "Second Brother, why are you apologizing? I didn't say anything wrong! Although I haven't known Bai Xu for long, he's definitely not the kind of person who's greedy for money!"

"As Bai Xu's..."

Zhang Changning hesitated, then with a touch of sarcasm, continued, "I don't know what kind of distant relatives they are, but to belittle Bai Xu like this in public is just too much!"

The Zhang family is renowned in the Imperial Capital's elite circles and is among the top guests invited to today's banquet.

Zhang Changning had only just arrived when, while heading to the dessert table with his brother, he overheard the conversation next door. Unable to hold back, he stepped forward to defend Bai Xu.

"Mr. Bai, you're old enough not to be telling such blatant lies, aren't you?"

"......"

Bai Rendao, publicly scolded by a young man like Zhang Changning, couldn't help but show his displeasure, "Young Master Zhang, as the saying goes, you can know a person's face but not their heart!"

"You yourself admitted that you haven't known Bai Xu for long, so how could you understand him better than we do?"

Zhang Changning frowned, but before he could respond, Qian Shuling interjected, "Although our Bai family can't compare to everyone here, our company's development has been steady and solid over the years!"

"Moreover, who doesn't know about our kind-hearted adoption of Bai Xu? We were just casually chatting earlier, not intending to belittle him at all."

"He, the person involved, hasn't even shown up, yet here you are, Young Master Ning, getting all worked up on his behalf?"

The last sentence clearly indicated that they thought Zhang Changning was meddling in their affairs.

Zhang Changxu's expression darkened as he looked at Qian Shuling, a hidden fierceness beneath his calm demeanor. Before he could react, the nearby curtain made a sharp 'swish' sound.

"So lively here?"

Bai Xu stepped out from behind the curtain, his gaze sweeping around with interest. "What are we talking about? Let me, the person involved, hear it too?"

"......"

The sudden question startled the Bai couple—

How could Bai Xu be behind the curtain? When did he arrive? How long had he been there? Had he heard everything they just said?

Zhang Changning stepped forward, "Bai Xu! I was just about to look for you!"

Bai Xu smiled at Zhang Changning and softly, yet sincerely, said, "Changning, thank you."

Sincerity begets sincerity.

This wasn't the first time Zhang Changning had stepped forward to speak up for him, and Bai Xu deeply remembered the kindness of this friend.

"I can handle my own matters. You just stay by your brother's side and watch the show. You and the Zhang family shouldn't get involved with some low-class characters."

The latter part of his statement was quite blunt, and he didn't bother to lower his voice.

Qian Shuling took it personally, "Bai Xu, what do you mean by that?!"

For a moment, she forgot where she was and almost lashed out as she used to do in the Bai family. Her tone and expression were filled with uncontrollable bitterness and sharpness.

Onlookers, witnessing her sudden change in demeanor, looked on with disdain:

Can't keep up the act anymore? Such behavior is so petty!

Perhaps sensing the surrounding gazes, or maybe due to Bai Rendao's subtle tug, Qian Shuling suddenly realized her mistake, but it was already too late.

The smile in Bai Xu's eyes completely faded, "What do I mean? Don't you two understand? Out of respect for the late Bai patriarch's kindness in adopting me, I've given the Bai family enough face!"

The original host had an exceptionally good temper, willing to endure grievances, but he was not the same!

More and more guests turned their attention towards them.

Bai Xu exposed them on the spot, "Why did your Bai family adopt me back then? It was because you believed some feng shui master's nonsense about using my fate to boost your family's fortune, all while trying to gain a reputation for charity! Utterly hypocritical!"

The guests exchanged glances, unsure whether to believe him.

Bai Xu seemed to anticipate their doubts, "Anyone here with a clear mind who's willing to investigate will see how I've been living on scholarships and working part-time all these years!"

A guest caught on, "Right, wasn't there talk recently about Bai Xu being exploited by his university professor and boss? If the Bai family truly treated him well, would he need to earn that meager salary and be bullied?"

Bai Rendao, who never paid attention to any news about Bai Xu, was completely baffled by these discussions.

Seeing the situation turning sour, he tried to defend himself, "That was the Patriarch's idea, you..."

Bai Xu didn't give him a chance to continue, cutting in sharply, "Exactly, because you two are even more opportunistic than the Patriarch!"

"Can you honestly say you didn't pressure me into agreeing to this marriage alliance? Can you say you haven't gained any business advantages from it? Even the son you raised is full of nothing but sordid thoughts!"

"......"

Boom!

This series of pointed questions seemed to blow a huge hole in their facade! It left Bai Rendao and Qian Shuling unable to fabricate lies quickly enough to cover up!

Bai Xu, aware that he had garnered enough attention, shifted his emotions swiftly.

He took a deep breath, and his next question came out trembling with pain, "If I hadn't agreed to this marriage alliance, who knows how your family would have ruined me! Do you really think everyone is a fool?"

"......"

Exactly.

Who do they think they're fooling!

This is already an open 'marriage alliance', how could the Bai family not have gained any benefits from it? It's not like the Shang family is seeking benefits from them, right?

The guests around had their own judgments. Seeing the redness in Bai Xu's eyes, they quickly sided with him.

The Director Chen, who had been chatting with the Bai couple earlier, silently took two steps back, as if to draw a clear line.

Just as the scales of 'justice' were about to tip, the second branch of the Shang family finally arrived. Fang Yuhua, with a fixed smile, asked, "Why is everyone gathered here? What's going on?"

Upon seeing Bai Xu at the center of the attention, a flash of impatience crossed her eyes, "Bai Xu, why is it always you?"

Zhang Changning couldn't help but interject, "Aunt Shang, it's clearly Mr. Bai and Mrs. Bai who were gossiping. You're asking the wrong person."

"Second Madam, you're finally here!"

Qian Shuling, as if seeing a savior, began to play the victim, "We are, after all, guests at this banquet. We were just chatting casually, and now we're being confronted by someone from your third branch."

"......"

Unbelievable!

Just moments ago, weren't they emphasizing the Bai family's adoption?

Now, seeing the situation turning sour, they suddenly shift and place Bai Xu in the Shang family's third branch camp?

Zhang Changning widened his eyes in disbelief, tugging at his brother's sleeve to silently express his outrage. But the next second, Fang Yuhua seized the opportunity to shift blame, "Bai Xu, this is your mistake."

"You should know what kind of occasion today is? Our family has never been one to bully others."

Fang Yuhua not only wanted the second branch to shine and gain prestige today but also aimed to take advantage of the situation to humble the third branch.

She seized the opportunity that fell into her lap and, with a smile, pressed on, "After all, Mr. Bai and Mrs. Bai are guests invited by our Shang family. If you continue to stir trouble, you're deliberately trying to upset the Old Master and Madam!"

"......"

A heavy accusation was thrown without hesitation.

Bai Xu looked at Fang Yuhua, who was clearly biased and exclusionary, and a rare flash of anger appeared in his eyes. But before he could react, a commanding voice rang out.

"Oh? Who's trying to upset me?"

With that authoritative statement, the guests standing on the outermost side instinctively made way. Respectful greetings followed one after another—

"Old Master Shang."

"Old Madam Shang."

"Chairman Shang."

The Old Mr. and Madam Shang, dressed in custom-made traditional Chinese attire, walked hand in hand under the gaze of the crowd.

Zhang Changning, noticing Bai Xu's troubled expression, quickly seized the opportunity to take control of the conversation, "Grandfather Shang, Grandmother Shang, long time no see! My parents asked me to send their regards~"

Zhang Changning was not only good-looking but also charmingly sweet-tongued, making him even more endearing.

Old Madam Shang, who had watched him grow up, immediately smiled, "Oh, the youngest of the Zhang family is here?"

Zhang Changxu met Old Master Shang's gaze calmly and politely, "Old Master, my eldest sister-in-law just gave birth yesterday at a hospital in the neighboring province. My parents rushed over to accompany her, so they couldn't make it today to offer their congratulations. Please forgive them."

Old Master Shang nodded slightly, "When you return, send our regards to your parents."

"Grandmother Shang, you came just in time! We need you to judge this matter—" Zhang Changning's playful tone quickly redirected the conversation and the focus, "We can't let Bai Xu be wronged by outsiders for no reason!"

"......"

The Bai couple gasped in shock.

What's with this Zhang Changning! Does he have to fight for Bai Xu's victory?

Seeing the strong support from Zhang Changning, Bai Xu couldn't help but give a mental thumbs-up.

He quickly composed himself and offered a sincere apology to Old Master Shang, "Old Master, Old Madam, it's my fault."

"......"

As soon as these words were spoken, many people were left confused:

Why the sudden jump to an apology? Is he just giving up?

Old Master Shang pressed on with a stern face, "First, tell us what happened?"

Bai Xu replied, "I just had a minor dispute with Mr. Bai and Mrs. Bai. When Second Madam found out, she came over to advise me not to upset you at such a banquet."

His words were straightforward, without any exaggeration, but to the ears of the listeners, they took on a different tone—

Wait a minute?

Why does this sound like there's an underlying sense of grievance?

Old Master Shang didn't respond but instead cast a searching gaze toward the Bai couple.

Bai Rendao and Qian Shuling, meeting his eagle-like sharp stare, immediately felt a pang of guilt, "Old, Old Master."

With keen insight, Old Master Shang completely ignored their greeting and instead called out, "Second daughter-in-law."

Fang Yuhua, belatedly realizing something was amiss, felt her heart skip a beat.

"Dad..."

She had just opened her mouth to explain when Old Master Shang's interrogative voice resounded throughout the venue, "I ask you, were they on the initial guest list you gave me? How exactly did you handle this matter?"

–

TL: Muji

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